Guide to a Successful Audition

When preparing for an audition the thought, “I wish I knew what they are looking for” may cross your mind. And very rarely is the answer the music you are playing. Whenever preparing and going to an audition, it can be tempting to focus solely on the music, but these attributes concerning your character and commitment are often overlooked.

Key Takeaways

• Preparedness
• Flexibility
• Drive to improve

 

Are You Prepared?

While the music isn’t everything during an audition, the quality you prepare the music to will speak volumes. Being fully prepared and detailed shows your future instructors or employer that you are committed to a quality of excellence. This can include arriving with thoughtful questions regarding the music.

Showing up ready to play will demonstrate your good intentions when looking to join an ensemble or searching for an instructor. It speaks to the level of dedication and effort you are going to put forth into future lessons or rehearsals.

Flexibility & Pressure

Don’t be surprised if during the audition process new material is given to you, or they ask you to adapt an exercise you already know. This is often done as a way for the instructors to view how quickly you adapt to changes and how you handle pressure.

This often has less to do with how successfully you pull off the change and more on how you work towards it and your attitude surrounding a last-minute change. Determination and a good attitude will set you apart from the crowd.

A Drive to Learn

A drive to learn is arguably the most important aspect instructors look for in future musicians they want to work with. Do you want to learn? Do your behavior and attitude relay that you are passionate about playing? Displaying a drive to learn by being fully engaged in the moment and applying comments to your playing can help communicate your desire to learn.

Bottom Line

All the above points don’t only demonstrate your skills as a musician - they speak to how much you want the position you are auditioning for. Auditions may not always go your way, but being able to learn from the comments given will improve you as both a musician and a performer. Viewing auditions as an opportunity to grow regardless of the outcome can help manage anxiety and bring fun into it. After all, you're doing what you love!

Happy Practicing!

 

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